Essence Social Club

Essence Social Club is a bit of a mystery.  We know it was managed by Raymond C. Wallace, whose mail order address was 1626 N. Prospect Avenue #1404 in Milwaukee. We know it was an early attempt at a racially "integrated social club," but we're not sure why or how it was organized.  It's also unknown if there were year-round social events aside from the anniversary galas.  GPU News never included Essence in its Wisconsin directory of gay organizations.

First mentioned in the June 1974 issue of GPU News, Essence advertised their 1st Anniversary Gala June 22-23 at the Holiday Inn Midtown (2611 W. Wisconsin Ave.,) which would include two nights of cocktail parties, dinners, champagne, and drag shows for just $15/person.  Oddly, the next appearance of Essence is the May 1975 GPU News, where they advertise their 3rd Anniversary Gala on June 21-22 at the same hotel.  The 1975 events also included a "Get Acquainted" dance with "special entertainment," but no names were listed.

It's unclear how or why the organization skipped its 2nd anniversary year.

GPU News provided no coverage of the Anniversary Galas, and the organization is never mentioned again after May 1975. If you have any additional information about Raymond C. Wallace or the Essence Social Club, please contact us.